Supported architectural structure

ABSTRACT

A supported architectural structure is presented. A plurality of primary supports configured to couple with one or more architectural structures. A plurality of flexible fins, where at least one of the plurality of flexible fins includes an inner edge and an outer edge, where the inner edge includes a plurality of attachment points. A plurality of secondary supports configured to couple with the plurality of primary supports, where at least one of the secondary supports includes a plurality of fin slots configured to couple with the plurality of attachment points.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/159,344, filed on Jun. 13, 2011, specification of which is hereinincorporated by reference for completeness of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention described herein pertain to the field ofstatic structures. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, oneor more embodiments of the invention discloses an architecturalstructure supported from a ceiling or similar structure.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of systems and methods for a supportedarchitectural design are directed to a supported architectural designsystem including a plurality of primary supports configured to couplewith one or more architectural structures. In one or more embodiments ofthe supported architectural design system, the one or more architecturalstructures include a ceiling system. In one or more embodiments of thesupported architectural design system, the one or more architecturalstructures include at least one wall.

In one or more embodiments of the supported architectural design system,the plurality of primary supports is coplanar. The plurality of primarysupports may be substantially parallel when coupled with the one or morearchitectural structures and the plurality of secondary supports.

The supported architectural design system further includes a pluralityof flexible fins. At least one flexible fin of the plurality of flexiblefins may include an inner edge and an outer edge. The inner edge mayinclude a plurality of attachment points. In one or more embodiments ofthe supported architectural design system, the plurality of flexiblefins is made from veneered steel.

In one or more embodiments of the supported architectural design system,the plurality of attachment points includes a plurality of holesconfigured to receive one or more fasteners. The one or more fastenersmay secure the plurality of flexible fins to the plurality of secondarysupports in the plurality of fin slots.

In one or more embodiments of the supported architectural design system,the plurality of attachment points includes a plurality of tabsincluding one or more holes. The plurality of fin slots may beconfigured to receive the plurality of tabs. The plurality of secondarysupports may further include attached fasteners configured to couplewith the one or more holes to secure the plurality of flexible fins tothe plurality of secondary supports by the plurality of tabs.

The supported architectural design system further includes a pluralityof secondary supports configured to couple with the plurality of primarysupports. At least one of the secondary supports includes a plurality offin slots configured to couple with the plurality of attachment points.In one or more embodiments of the supported architectural design system,the plurality of secondary supports is coplanar. The plurality ofsecondary supports may be substantially parallel when coupled with theplurality of primary supports. In one or more embodiments of thesupported architectural design system, the plurality of secondarysupports is substantially perpendicular to the plurality of primarysupports when coupled with the plurality of primary supports. At leastone secondary support of the plurality of secondary supports may becurved.

In one or more embodiments of the supported architectural design system,the plurality of primary supports include one or more strut channelscompatible with one or more standardized structural systems. One or moreembodiments of the supported architectural design system further includeone or more additional structural components compatible with the one ormore standardized structural systems, where the one or more additionalstructural components are configured to couple with the one or morestrut channels.

The one or more additional structural components may include one or morelighting systems. The one or more additional structural components mayinclude one or more security systems. In one or more embodiments of thesupported architectural design system, the one or more additionalstructural components include at least one hanging element extendingpast the outer edge of the plurality of flexible fins.

In one or more embodiments of the supported architectural design system,the plurality of fin slots include angled cuts made in the plurality ofsecondary supports. A plurality of positions and shapes of the angledcuts may be determined by processing a fin configuration design on ageneral purpose computer including at least one processor configured toexecute computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readablemedium. The computer-readable instructions are configured to cause theat least one processor to calculate the plurality of positions andshapes of the angled cuts based on the fin configuration design.

In one or more embodiments of the supported architectural design system,at least one of t secondary supports is a channel, and at least one ofsaid fin slots is a cut through a bottom wall of the channel and apartial cut through two side walls of the channel.

In one or more embodiments of the supported architectural design system,at least one of the secondary supports is a curved channel, at least oneof said fin slots comprises a cut through a bottom wall of the channel,and the plurality of attachment points includes at least one protrudingtab configured to fit in the fin slot.

One or more embodiments of the supported architectural design systemfurther include a plurality of fasteners coupled with the plurality ofsecondary supports, where the plurality of fasteners automaticallyengages at least a portion of the plurality of attachment points tocouple the plurality of flexible fins with the plurality of secondarysupports.

In one or more embodiments of the supported architectural design system,an outer surface including a plurality of the outer edges of theplurality of flexible fins conforms to a curved two-dimensional surface.

One or more embodiments of systems and methods for a supportedarchitectural design are directed to a supported architectural designsystem including at least two primary supports. The at least two primarysupports may be coplanar and substantially parallel.

The supported architectural design system further includes at least fourchannel nut connectors configured to couple with the at least twoprimary supports to secure the at least two primary supports to one ormore ceiling structures.

The supported architectural design system further includes a pluralityof flexible fins. At least one of the plurality of flexible fins mayhave an inner edge and an outer edge, where the inner edge includes aplurality of attachment points.

The supported architectural design system further includes at least foursecondary supports configured to couple with the plurality of primarysupports at a right angle, where the at least four secondary supportsare coplanar and substantially parallel

The at least four secondary supports include a plurality of fin slotsconfigured to couple with the plurality of attachment points.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the inventionwill be more apparent from the following more particular descriptionthereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a general-purpose computer and peripherals that whenprogrammed as described herein may operate as a specially programmedcomputer capable of implementing one or more methods, apparatus and/orsystems of the solution.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an exemplary supported architecturaldesign system in accordance with one or more embodiments of systems andmethods for a supported architectural design.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary supportedarchitectural design system in accordance with one or more embodimentsof systems and methods for a supported architectural design.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary secondary support in accordance with oneor more embodiments of systems and methods for a supported architecturaldesign.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary secondary supportconfiguration for coupling with a flexible fin in accordance with one ormore embodiments of systems and methods for a supported architecturaldesign.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of another exemplary secondary supportconfiguration for coupling with a flexible fin in accordance with one ormore embodiments of systems and methods for a supported architecturaldesign.

FIGS. 7A-C illustrate exemplary supported architectural design systemsin accordance with one or more embodiments of systems and methods for asupported architectural design.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a primary or secondary supportstructure showing a standard strut channel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A system and method for a supported architectural design will now bedescribed. In the following exemplary description numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understandingof embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one ofordinary skill that the present invention may be practiced withoutincorporating all aspects of the specific details described herein. Inother instances, specific features, quantities, or measurements wellknown to those of ordinary skill in the art have not been described indetail so as not to obscure the invention. Readers should note thatalthough examples of the invention are set forth herein, the claims, andthe full scope of any equivalents, are what define the metes and boundsof the systems and methods for a supported architectural design.

FIG. 1 diagrams a general-purpose computer and peripherals, whenprogrammed as described herein, may operate as a specially programmedcomputer capable of implementing one or more methods, apparatus and/orsystems of the solution described in this disclosure. Processor 107 maybe coupled to bi-directional communication infrastructure 102 such ascommunication infrastructure system bus 102. Communicationinfrastructure 102 may generally be a system bus that provides aninterface to the other components in the general-purpose computer systemsuch as processor 107, main memory 106, display interface 108, secondarymemory 112 and/or communication interface 124.

Main memory 106 may provide a computer readable medium for accessing andexecuted stored data and applications. Display interface 108 maycommunicate with display unit 110 that may be utilized to displayoutputs to the user of the specially-programmed computer system. Displayunit 110 may comprise one or more monitors that may visually depictaspects of the computer program to the user. Main memory 106 and displayinterface 108 may be coupled to communication infrastructure 102, whichmay serve as the interface point to secondary memory 112 andcommunication interface 124. Secondary memory 112 may provide additionalmemory resources beyond main memory 106, and may generally function as astorage location for computer programs to be executed by processor 107.Either fixed or removable computer-readable media may serve as Secondarymemory 112. Secondary memory 112 may comprise, for example, hard disk114 and removable storage drive 116 that may have an associatedremovable storage unit 118. There may be multiple sources of secondarymemory 112 and systems implementing the solutions described in thisdisclosure may be configured as needed to support the data storagerequirements of the user and the methods described herein. Secondarymemory 112 may also comprise interface 120 that serves as an interfacepoint to additional storage such as removable storage unit 122. Numeroustypes of data storage devices may serve as repositories for datautilized by the specially programmed computer system. For example,magnetic, optical or magnetic-optical storage systems, or any otheravailable mass storage technology that provides a repository for digitalinformation may be used.

Communication interface 124 may be coupled to communicationinfrastructure 102 and may serve as a conduit for data destined for orreceived from communication path 126. A network interface card (NIC) isan example of the type of device that once coupled to communicationinfrastructure 102 may provide a mechanism for transporting data tocommunication path 126. Computer networks such Local Area Networks(LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), Wireless networks, optical networks,distributed networks, the Internet or any combination thereof are someexamples of the type of communication paths that may be utilized by thespecially program computer system. Communication path 126 may compriseany type of telecommunication network or interconnection fabric that cantransport data to and from communication interface 124.

To facilitate user interaction with the specially programmed computersystem, one or more human interface devices (HID) 130 may be provided.Some examples of HIDs that enable users to input commands or data to thespecially programmed computer may comprise a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen devices, microphones or other audio interface devices, motionsensors or the like, as well as any other device able to accept any kindof human input and in turn communicate that input to processor 107 totrigger one or more responses from the specially programmed computer arewithin the scope of the system disclosed herein.

While FIG. 1 depicts a physical device, the scope of the system may alsoencompass a virtual device, virtual machine or simulator embodied in oneor more computer programs executing on a computer or computer system andacting or providing a computer system environment compatible with themethods and processes of this disclosure. In one or more embodiments,the system may also encompass a cloud computing system or any othersystem where shared resources, such as hardware, applications, data, orany other resource are made available on demand over the Internet or anyother network. Where a virtual machine, process, device or otherwiseperforms substantially similarly to that of a physical computer system,such a virtual platform will also fall within the scope of disclosureprovided herein, notwithstanding the description herein of a physicalsystem such as that in FIG. 1.

One or more embodiments are configured to enable the speciallyprogrammed computer to take the input data given and transform it into aweb-based UI by applying one or more of the methods and/or processesdescribed herein. Thus the methods described herein are able totransform a stored component into a web UI, using the solution disclosedhere to result in an output of the system as a web UI design supporttool, using the specially programmed computer as described herein.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an exemplary supported architecturaldesign system in accordance with one or more embodiments of systems andmethods for a supported architectural design. Supported architecturaldesign system 200 includes a plurality of primary supports 202-204. Inone or more embodiments, primary supports 202-204 are coplanar. In oneor more embodiments, primary supports 202-204 are substantiallyparallel. Primary supports 202-204 may be constructed of any suitablematerial, such as plastic, wood, metal, composite, or any other materialsuitable for providing structural support.

Although two primary supports 202-204 are shown, one of ordinary skillin the art will recognize that any number of primary supports may beused without departing from the spirit or the scope of the embodimentsdescribed herein.

Primary supports 202-204 are configured to couple with one or morearchitectural structures. Primary supports 202-204 may couple with oneor more architectural structures by one or more fasteners and/orstructural components capable of supporting supported architecturaldesign system 200, including but not limited to one or more cables,struts, beams, couplers, plates, joints, pipes, rails, or any otherstructural components capable of partially or fully supporting supportedarchitectural design system 200. The one or more fasteners may includenuts, bolts, screws, clamps, pins, clips, sheet metal, hinges, rivets,lugs, caps, washers, nails, anchor, or any other fastener capable ofcoupling primary supports 202-204, one or more structural components,and one or more architectural structures. Primary supports 202-204 maybe configured to couple with at least one wall system and/or structure.In one or more embodiments, primary supports 202-204 are configured tocouple with one or more ceiling systems and/or structures.

In one or more embodiments, primary supports 202-204 include one or morestrut channels 224 compatible with one or more standardized structuralsystems. A standard strut channel is illustrated in FIG. 8. As usedherein, the term “standardized structural system” refers to anystandardized structural system used in construction. In one or moreembodiments, the strut channel is constructed out of a metal, such asaluminum, steel or any other metal suitable for use in construction forstructural support. In one or more embodiments, the strut channel isformed from sheet metal folded over into an open channel shape with andinwards-folding lips that enhance structural support and provide amounting surface for interconnecting components compatible with thestandardized structural system. In one or more embodiments, the strutchannel has a width and a height of 1⅝ inches. One or more embodimentsof supported architectural design system 200 may further include one ormore additional structural components compatible with the standardizedstructural system, as described more fully at FIG. 3.

In one or more embodiments, primary supports 202-204 include one or moreP1000 Unistruts coupled to one or more hanger rods and/or cables usingone or more Unistrut “U” shape fittings and one or more fasteners, suchas one or more bolts and channel nuts. The one or more hanger rodsand/or cables are configured to couple with one or more ceiling systemsto suspend supported architectural design system 200. The one or morehanger rods and/or cables may be positioned along axes 216-222. In oneor more embodiments, one or more Unistrut support components areconfigured to pass through the one or more Unistrut “U” shape fittings.Additional structural components compatible with the standardizedstructural system may be attached to the one or more Unistrut supportcomponents. A Unistrut “U” shape fitting may be provided for eachquadrant of supported architectural design system 200.

Supported architectural design system 200 further includes a pluralityof secondary supports 206-212. In one or more embodiments, secondarysupports 206-212 are coplanar. In one or more embodiments, secondarysupports 206-212 are substantially parallel.

Although secondary supports shown in FIG. 2 are straight, at least oneof secondary supports 206-212 may be curved without departing from thespirit or the scope of the embodiments described herein. In one or moreembodiments, at least one of outer secondary supports 206 and 212 iscurved. As used herein, the term “curved” is used to describe a shapeother than a straight line, including any shape that has a combinationof straight, angular and arched segments. In one or more embodiments,when outer secondary supports 206 and 212 are curved, attachment pointsof flexible fins 214 are coupled to fin slots of outer secondarysupports 206 and 212 in accordance with FIG. 6.

Secondary supports 206-212 may be constructed of any suitable material,such as plastic, wood, metal, composite, or any other material suitablefor providing structural support. In one or more embodiments, secondarysupports 206-212 are constructed out of a metal, such as steel,aluminum, or any other metal suitable for secondary supports 206-212.

Secondary supports 206-212 are configured to couple with primarysupports 202-204. In one or more embodiments, secondary supports 206-212are substantially perpendicular to primary supports 202-204 whencoupled. Secondary supports 206-212 may be coupled with primary supports202-204 with one or more fasteners, including but not limited to one ormore may include nuts, bolts, screws, clamps, pins, clips, sheet metal,hinges, rivets, lugs, caps, washers, nails, anchor, or any otherfastener capable of partially or fully coupling secondary supports206-212 to primary supports 202-204. In one or more embodiments,secondary supports 206-212 are welded, manufactured, molded, glued,taped, or otherwise attached to primary supports 202-204 with or withoutone or more fasteners.

In one or more embodiments, secondary supports 206-212 are cold rolledsteel channels. Although any gauge of metal may be used to form channelsof any size, one or more embodiments of secondary supports 206-212 are12 gauge cold rolled steel channels with a length and width of 1.5inches. Secondary supports 206-212 may be coupled to primary supports202-204 using one or more 12 gauge metal connectors welded to asecondary support in conjunction with one or more other fastenerspassing through the 12 gauge metal connectors.

In one or more embodiments, a secondary support may be made of two ormore separate components coupled together. The two or more separatecomponents may be coupled together using one or more fasteners,adhesive, welding, or any other process capable of joining the two ormore separate components to form a secondary support. In one or moreembodiments, one or more of secondary supports 206-212 is composed oftwo or more separate 12 gauge cold rolled steel channels coupled using12 gauge end plates welded to the channels and secured with one or morefasteners passing through the 12 gauge end plates.

Although four secondary supports 206-212 are shown, one of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize that any number of secondary supportsmay be used without departing from the spirit or the scope of theembodiments described herein.

Secondary supports 206-212 have a plurality of fin slots configured tocouple with a plurality of flexible fins 214, as described more fully atFIG. 4.

Supported architectural design system 200 further includes a pluralityof flexible fins 214. Flexible fins 214 are constructed out of anyflexible material, such as steel, aluminum, any other metal, plastic, orany other flexible material capable of flexing to fit through the finslots of secondary supports 206-212. In one or more embodiments,flexible fins 214 are be constructed from 22 gauge cold rolled steel.Flexible fins 214 may be veneered steel.

One or more embodiments also enable the use of rigid fins. Rigid finsmay be constructed out of any material, such as steel, aluminum, anyother metal, plastic, or any other suitable material.

In one or more embodiments, flexible fins 214 have an inner edge facingthe plurality of secondary supports and an outer edge facing away fromthe plurality of secondary supports. The inner edge may include aplurality of attachment points configured to couple with secondarysupports 206-212. The flexible fins 214 are configured to couple withsecondary supports 206-212. The attachment points of flexible fins 214may be configured to couple with the fin slots of secondary supports206-212. In one or more embodiments, the flexible fins 214 areconfigured to protrude from secondary supports 206-212 when coupled withsecondary supports 206-212. In one or more embodiments, a position ofone or more attachment points of flexible fins 214 is customized basedon a fin configuration design. Attachment points may be laser-cut usinga laser-cutting device provided with the desired positions for theplurality of attachment points.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary supportedarchitectural design system in accordance with one or more embodimentsof systems and methods for a supported architectural design. Supportedarchitectural design system 300 is coupled with one or morearchitectural structures by supports 316. Supports 316 include one ormore fasteners and/or structural components capable of supportingsupported architectural design system 300, including but not limited toone or more cables, struts, beams, couplers, plates, joints, pipes,rails, or any other structural components capable of partially or fullysupporting supported architectural design system 300. In one or moreembodiments, supports 316 couple supported architectural design system300 with one or more ceiling systems.

Supported architectural design system 300 may include one or moreadditional elements 302-312. Additional elements 302-312 may includelights, security cameras, decorative elements, or any other additionalelements compatible with systems and methods for a supportedarchitectural design. Additional elements 302-312 may be coupled withprimary supports and/or or secondary supports of supported architecturaldesign system 300. In one or more embodiments, additional elements302-312 include at least one hanging element partially or fullyextending beyond the outer edges of flexible fins 214 of supportedarchitectural design system 300.

In one or more embodiments, the primary supports of supportedarchitectural design system 300 include one or more strut channelscompatible with one or more standardized structural systems. In one ormore embodiments, additional elements 302-312 may be coupled with one ormore additional structural components that are compatible with thestandardized structural system. The additional structural components mayinclude a lighting system 308, 310, 312, and 314, security system 302and 304, a support system 316, or any other system compatible with thestandardized structural system.

In one or more embodiments, the primary supports of supportedarchitectural design system 300 are P1000 Unistruts and the additionalstructural components include Unistrut-compatible support componentscoupled with one or more additional elements 302-312. The P1000Unistruts and the Unistrut-compatible support components are coupledusing one or more fasteners, such as nuts, bolts, screws, clamps, pins,clips, sheet metal, hinges, rivets, lugs, caps, washers, nails, anchor,or any other fastener. In one or more embodiments, the fasteners includeone or more Unistrut “U” shape fittings.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary secondary support in accordance with oneor more embodiments of systems and methods for a supported architecturaldesign. Partial system 400 includes secondary support 206.

Secondary support 206 may be constructed of any suitable material, suchas plastic, wood, metal, composite, or any other material suitable forproviding structural support. In one or more embodiments, the secondarysupport 206 is constructed out of a metal, such as steel, aluminum, orany other suitable metal. In one or more embodiments, secondary support206 is a cold rolled steel channel. Although any gauge of metal may beused to form a channel of any size, one or more embodiments of secondarysupport 206 is a 12 gauge cold rolled steel channel with a length andwidth of 1.5 inches.

Secondary support 206 has a plurality of fin slots 416-426 configured tocouple with a plurality of flexible fins. Fin slots 416-426 are partialcuts made through the width of secondary support 206. In one or moreembodiments where secondary support 206 is a channel, fin slots 416-426may be any partial cut through the channel, such as a partial cutthrough a bottom wall of the channel, a complete cut through a bottomwall of the channel, a cut through the bottom wall of the channel and atleast one side wall of the channel, or any other partial cut insecondary support 206. In one or more embodiments, the width of finslots 416-426 is greater than a width of a flexible fin.

In one or more embodiments, fin slots 416-426 are custom cuts that aredetermined using a general-purpose computer with at least one processorconfigured to execute computer-readable instructions stored on acomputer-readable medium. The instructions are configured to cause theat least one processor to perform steps including obtaining a finconfiguration design including fin positions 404-414, determining astructurally sound configuration for a plurality of primary supports,and determining a structurally sound configuration for a plurality ofsecondary supports 206, and calculating a position and shape for aplurality of fin slots 416-426 based on fin positions 404-414. In one ormore embodiments, one or more secondary supports 206 are custom-cutbased on the calculated positions and shapes for the plurality of finslots 416-426. Although any method of providing custom-cut fin slots416-426 may be used, one or more embodiments of secondary support 206are laser-cut using a laser-cutting device provided with the calculatedpositions and shapes for the plurality of fin slots 416-426.

Fin slots 416-426 are configured to guide flexible fins of a supportedarchitectural design system along the desired fin positions 404-414. Finslots 416-426 may be straight cuts in secondary support 206 made atangles α β γ δ ε and θ. Angles α β γ δ ε and θ may include any angledetermined based on fin positions 404-414, including a right angledirectly across the width of secondary support 206. In one or moreembodiments, fin slots 416-426 may include one or more curved cuts insecondary support 206.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view (A-A′ in FIG. 4) of an exemplarysecondary support coupled with a flexible fin in accordance with one ormore embodiments of systems and methods for a supported architecturaldesign.

Partial system 500 includes secondary support 206. Secondary support 206is configured to receive flexible fin 214. Flexible fin 214 includes aninner edge with attachment point 508. Attachment point 508 may includeone or more features on or near the inner edge of flexible fin 214usable to couple flexible fin 214 with secondary support 206 at fin slot506. In one or more embodiments, attachment point 508 does not includefeature, and is simply an identified location for applying one or morefasteners 510 to flexible fin 214. The one or more features may includeone or more holes, slots, cuts, protrusions, recesses, or any otherfeature usable to couple flexible fin 214 with secondary support 206 atfin slot 506. The one or more features may be cut, manufactured, molded,glued, taped, welded, or otherwise applied to flexible fin 214 toprovide attachment point 508.

In one or more embodiments, secondary support 206 is a channel and finslot 506 is a cut through a portion of secondary support 206, includingthe bottom wall and the two side walls such that an entire inner edge offlexible fin 214 may be seated within fin slot 506.

Attachment point 508 may be one or more holes near the inner edge offlexible fin 214. In one or more embodiments, attachment point 508 isconfigured to receive one or more fasteners 510 to couple flexible fin214 with secondary support 206 when flexible fin 214 is seated withinfin slot 506. In one or more embodiments, fasteners 510 may include oneor more nuts, bolts, screws, clamps, pins, clips, sheet metal, hinges,rivets, lugs, caps, washers, nails, anchor, or any other fastenercapable of coupling flexible fin 214 with attachment point 508 whenflexible fin 214 is seated within fin slot 506.

In one or more embodiments, fasteners 510 may be welded, manufactured,glued, clamped or otherwise affixed to secondary support 206. In one ormore embodiments, when flexible fin 214 is seated within fin slot 506,fastener 510 affixed to secondary support 206 are configured toautomatically engage at least one attachment point 508 to coupleflexible fin 214 with secondary support 206.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view (A-A′ in FIG. 4) of an exemplarysecondary support coupled with a flexible fin in accordance with one ormore embodiments of systems and methods for a supported architecturaldesign.

Partial system 600 includes secondary support 206. Secondary support 206is configured to receive flexible fin 214. Flexible fin 214 includes aninner edge with one or more attachment points, including one or morefeatures on or near the inner edge of flexible fin 214 usable to coupleflexible fin 214 with secondary support 206 at fin slot 608. The one ormore features may include one or more holes, slots, cuts, protrusions,recesses, or any other feature usable to couple flexible fin 214 withsecondary support 206 at fin slot 608. The one or more features may becut, manufactured, molded, glued, taped, welded, or otherwise applied toflexible fin 214 to provide attachment point 606.

In one or more embodiments, secondary support 206 is a channel and finslot 608 is a cut through a bottom wall of secondary support 206 suchthat a protruding tab of flexible fin 214 may be seated within fin slot612.

In one or more embodiments, the attachment point includes protruding tab606 and slot 612. Protruding tab 606 protrudes from an inner edge offlexible fin 214. Protruding tab 606 is configured to fit within finslot 608. Fin slot 612 is positioned on protruding tab 606. Fin slot 612is configured to receive one or more fasteners 610 to couple flexiblefin 214 with secondary support 206 when flexible fin 214 is seatedwithin fin slot 612. In one or more embodiments, fasteners 610 mayinclude one or more nuts, bolts, screws, clamps, pins, clips, sheetmetal, hinges, rivets, lugs, caps, washers, nails, anchor, or any otherfastener capable of coupling flexible fin 214 with fin slot 612 whenflexible fin 214 is seated within fin slot 612.

In one or more embodiments, fasteners 610 may be welded, manufactured,glued, inserted, clamped or otherwise affixed to secondary support 206.In one or more embodiments, when protruding tab 606 is inserted into finslot 608, fastener 610 automatically engages slot 612 to couple flexiblefin 214 with secondary support 206.

FIGS. 7A-C illustrate exemplary supported architectural design systemsin accordance with one or more embodiments of systems and methods for asupported architectural design.

FIG. 7A is a side view of an exemplary supported architectural designsystem in accordance with one or more embodiments of systems and methodsfor a supported architectural design. Supported architectural designsystem 700 includes a plurality of primary supports 202-204 coupled witha plurality of secondary supports 206. A plurality of flexible fins 214are coupled with a plurality of secondary supports 206. An outer edge offlexible fins 214 conforms to a curved two-dimensional surface 710. Inone or more embodiments, curved two-dimensional surface 710 includes anysurface in three-dimensional space. As used herein, the term “curvedtwo-dimensional surface” includes any surface in three-dimensionalspace, including one or more flat surfaces, angled surfaces, rounded orarched surfaces, or any combination thereof. The curve two-dimensionalsurface may include curved portions, flat portions, angled portions, orany combination thereof.

FIG. 7B is a side view of an exemplary supported architectural designsystem in accordance with one or more embodiments of systems and methodsfor a supported architectural design. Supported architectural designsystem 720 includes a plurality of primary supports 202 coupled with aplurality of secondary supports 206, 208, 210, and 212. A plurality offlexible fins 214 is coupled with secondary supports 206-212 and outeredge of flexible fins 214 conforms to a curved two dimensional surface,such as a curved surface in three-dimensional space. The curvetwo-dimensional surface may include curved portions, flat portions,angled portions, or any combination thereof.

FIG. 7C is a side view of an exemplary supported architectural designsystem in accordance with one or more embodiments of systems and methodsfor a supported architectural design. Supported architectural designsystem 740 includes a plurality of primary supports 202 and 204 coupledwith a plurality of secondary supports 206. A plurality of flexible fins214 are coupled with secondary supports 206. An outer edge of flexiblefins 214 conforms to a curved two-dimensional surface 750. In one ormore embodiments, secondary supports 206 have a curvature in theelevation dimension as shown in FIG. 7C.

While the systems and methods for providing a supported architecturaldesign described herein disclosed has been described by means ofspecific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modificationsand variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the embodiments described herein set forthin the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A supported architectural design systemcomprising: a plurality of primary supports configured to couple withone or more architectural structures; a plurality of flexible fins,wherein at least one of said plurality of flexible fins comprises aninner edge and an outer edge, wherein said inner edge comprises at leastone tab with an attachment section; and a plurality of secondarysupports coupled with said plurality of primary supports, wherein atleast one of said plurality of secondary supports is horizontally curvedand configured in cross section as a u-shaped channel comprising abottom wall and two side walls, wherein said bottom wall includes atleast one fin slot coupled with said at least one tab at said attachmentsection, and wherein said at least one fin slot comprises a cut throughsaid bottom wall of said u-shaped channel, wherein said attachmentsection comprises a hole that receives at least one fastener inside saidu-shaped channel to secure said at least one of said plurality offlexible fins to said bottom wall of said u-shaped channel.
 2. Thesupported architectural design system of claim 1, wherein said pluralityof primary supports is coplanar.
 3. The supported architectural designsystem of claim 2, wherein said plurality of primary supports aresubstantially parallel when coupled with said one or more architecturalstructures and said plurality of secondary supports.
 4. The supportedarchitectural design system of claim 1, wherein said plurality ofsecondary supports is coplanar.
 5. The supported architectural designsystem of claim 4, wherein said plurality of secondary supports issubstantially parallel when coupled with said plurality of primarysupports.
 6. The supported architectural design system of claim 4,wherein said plurality of secondary supports are substantiallyperpendicular to said plurality of primary supports when coupled withsaid plurality of primary supports.
 7. The supported architecturaldesign system of claim 1, wherein said one or more architecturalstructures is a ceiling structure.
 8. A supported architecturalstructure comprising: a plurality of primary supports in a substantiallyparallel configuration and configured to couple with one or morearchitectural structures; a plurality of secondary supports coupled withsaid plurality of primary supports in a substantially perpendicularconfiguration, wherein at least one of said plurality of secondarysupports is a u-shaped channel comprising a bottom wall and two sidewalls, said at least one of said plurality of secondary supportsincluding at least one fin slot, wherein said at least one fin slotcomprises a cut through said bottom wall of said u-shaped channel; aplurality of flexible fins, at least one of said plurality of flexiblefins having an inner edge and an outer edge, said inner edge comprisingat least one tab with an attachment section, wherein said at least onetab is coupled to said at least one fin slot at said attachment section;and at least one coupler removably coupling said at least one of saidplurality of flexible fins to said at least one of said plurality ofsecondary supports at said attachment section inside said u-shapedchannel to secure said at least one of said plurality of flexible finsto said bottom wall of said u-shaped channel.
 9. The supportedarchitectural design system of claim 8, wherein said plurality ofsecondary supports is horizontally curved.
 10. The supportedarchitectural design system of claim 8, wherein said one or moreattachment points is a hole.
 11. The supported architectural designsystem of claim 10, wherein said one or more couplers is a pinconfigured to securely fit in said hole.
 12. A supported architecturalstructure comprising: a plurality of primary supports in a substantiallyparallel configuration and configured to couple with one or morearchitectural structures; a plurality of secondary supports coupled withsaid plurality of primary supports in a substantially perpendicularconfiguration, wherein at least one of said plurality of secondarysupports is a u-shaped channel comprising a bottom wall and two sidewalls, said at least one of said plurality of secondary supportsincluding at least one fin slot, wherein said at least one fin slotcomprises a cut through said bottom wall of said u-shaped channel; aplurality of flexible fins, at least one of said plurality of flexiblefins having an inner edge and an outer edge, said inner edge comprisingat least one tab with an attachment section, wherein said at least onetab is coupled to said at least one fin slot at said attachment section;and at least one coupler automatically and removably coupling said atleast one of said plurality of flexible fins to said at least one ofsaid plurality of secondary supports through said attachment section,wherein said attachment section is located inside said u-shaped channelto secure said at least one of said plurality of flexible fins to saidbottom wall of said u-shaped channel.
 13. The supported architecturaldesign system of claim 12, wherein said plurality of secondary supportsis horizontally curved.